Nebraska's LB 938 creates a state tax-advantaged savings program to help first-time homebuyers. It allows individuals to contribute up to $5,000 annually (or $10,000 for joint filers) to designated savings accounts, reducing their state taxable income. Contributions can be used for eligible home purchase costs like down payments, closing fees, or construction financing for a primary residence in Nebraska. The program limits lifetime contributions to $25,000 per individual ($50,000 for joint filers) and requires account holders to designate a qualified beneficiary (the homebuyer) by April 15 each year. This directly affects first-time homebuyers who meet the definition: individuals without prior primary residence ownership or those divorced and not on title for 3+ years.
Nebraska's LB 1156 creates a tax credit program to encourage private investment in economically distressed communities. It allows taxpayers to claim a 50% nonrefundable income tax credit for cash contributions to qualifying organizations (like community development banks or innovation hubs) that fund projects in designated distressed areas. These funds support affordable commercial space, workforce training, site preparation, and small developer projects, with annual limits of $26.5 million for tax credits and $20 million for supplemental grants. The program targets small developers and underrepresented businesses in neighborhoods facing high unemployment and poverty, aiming to expand local economic opportunities without direct public funding.
LB 1142 amends Nebraska's Visitors Development Act to restructure tourism administration and fund distribution. It creates a new Director of Tourism position within the Department of Economic Development and revises the Nebraska Tourism Commission's structure. Key provisions include redirecting 40% of cash device tax revenue to the "Nebraska Tourism Commission Promotional Cash Fund" (previously called the "State Visitors Promotion Cash Fund") and adjusting allocations for other funds like the Charitable Gaming Operations Fund. The bill directly affects tourism promotion efforts, local governments receiving tax distributions, and businesses operating cash devices like slot machines. These changes aim to streamline tourism funding and governance under the Department of Economic Development.
LB 1025 imposes a new excise tax on social media companies that collect consumer data from Nebraska residents. Starting January 1, 2027, companies must pay tax based on the number of Nebraska consumers whose data they collect monthly: $0 for under 50,000 users, $0.10 per user over 50,000 but under 250,000, and $40,000 plus $0.25 per user over 250,000 but under 500,000. The tax directly affects for-profit social media platforms meeting the bill's definition (excluding search engines, email services, and certain professional tools). It targets data collection practices rather than platform usage, creating a tiered revenue stream for Nebraska.
This bill directs Nebraska's Legislature to appropriate $7,046,697 (including $3.1 million in state funds and $3.9 million in federal funds) for fiscal year 2026-27 specifically to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for assisted-living facilities. It mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services raise the daily rate for all facilities under Nebraska's aged and disabled home and community-based Medicaid waiver program (Program No. 348) to $78.45 per day, applying equally to both rural and urban facilities. The funding is intended to directly affect Medicaid-certified assisted-living facilities serving eligible older adults and disabled individuals in Nebraska.
LB 846 amends Nebraska's individual income tax code to change how personal exemptions and standard deductions are calculated. It replaces the previous inflation-adjusted personal exemption credit with a new method using the Consumer Price Index from August 2017 forward, and updates standard deduction amounts for different filing statuses (e.g., single filers increase from $3,000 to $4,750). The bill affects all Nebraska residents filing individual income tax returns who claim the standard deduction instead of itemizing deductions. Key changes include updated dollar amounts for standard deductions and a revised formula for calculating the personal exemption credit based on federal filing status. These provisions apply to tax years beginning in 2018 and beyond.
Nebraska's LB 766 updates regulations for racetracks and horseracing wagering. It sets new annual requirements: racetracks operating before April 2022 must host at least 5 live racing days and 50 races yearly through 2030 (increasing to 15 days and 120 races annually after 2030), while newer tracks have phased-in minimums. The bill eliminates the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, moves the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling under the State Racing and Gaming Commission, and allows keno players as young as 18 at racetracks (previously 21). It also revises how wagering revenue is distributed and repeals outdated sections of gaming law. The bill directly affects racetrack licensees, problem gamblers seeking services, and state gaming regulatory bodies.
This bill appropriates $10 million from Nebraska's General Fund for Fiscal Year 2026-27 to the Public Service Commission specifically for the Broadband Bridge Program (Program 793). It directly affects the Public Service Commission, which will use these funds to continue implementing the program aimed at expanding broadband access. The bill declares an emergency, meaning it takes effect immediately upon approval. This is a funding allocation, not a new policy, focused solely on providing resources for existing broadband infrastructure efforts.
Nebraska's LB 1110 modifies tax collection and revenue rules. It requires taxpayers to pay a $25 fee or 10% of unpaid tax liability (whichever is greater) for delinquent income taxes and related notices. The bill also allows the Department of Revenue to share confidential information with the Department of Health and Human Services for administrative purposes, and changes how gambling tax revenue is distributed (40% to the Charitable Gaming Division, 60% to the General Fund). These changes affect taxpayers, the Department of Revenue, and state gambling programs, with fees subject to annual inflation adjustments starting in 2027.
Nebraska's LB 851 modifies the state's income tax calculation for S-corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs). It specifically excludes income or losses from these entities that are not derived from Nebraska sources when calculating taxable income for tax years before 2026. This change adjusts federal adjusted gross income by removing non-Nebraska-sourced earnings from S-corporations or LLCs, affecting business owners who earn income outside Nebraska but operate entities structured as S-corps or LLCs under Nebraska law. The provision applies to tax returns filed for years ending before January 1, 2026.
